Eitan Selter asks:
It seems forom the Machloket R' Issi and R' elazar ben azarya that a megadeph is worse than Avodah Zara. How is this true considering Avodah Zara is one of the 3 cardinal sins?
Eitan Selter, Monsey, NY, USA
The Kollel replies:
They don't imply that it is worse, but rather that it is idol worship. There is an argument between Rashi and Tosfos regarding whether it is singing praises of an idol or actual idol worship like sacrifice. Indeed, according to R' Elazar ben Azaryah it would seem to be included in idol worship, and therefore it is part of idol worship which is one of the three cardinal sins.
All the best,
Yaakov Montrose